Vergil Ortiz Jr. is back in Texas. Twenty-three wins, twenty-one knockouts, and a habit of wrecking whoever stands in front of him. On November 8, he headlines at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth against Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin — a man who’s walked through setbacks, scars, and critics to earn his IBF No. 1 spot.
This isn’t charity work. Ortiz is the house fighter, sure, but Lubin isn’t showing up for a paycheck. He’s ranked across the boards, top five or top ten everywhere you look. He’s the mandatory, the guy who’s clawed his way back after Jermell Charlo folded him in a round years ago. Now he wants payback, and Ortiz is the target.
Ortiz keeps it blunt, Lubin makes it personal
Ortiz didn’t waste words: “I’m always happy to be a part of the fights that fans want to see. See you guys November 8.” That’s him in a nutshell. Say little, smash plenty.
Lubin, though, is treating this like a second life. “This fight is about redemption, I’m back for everything,” he said. Redemption’s a word that sticks with him. He’s rebuilt, beat Jesus Ramos, took apart Holmes, and reminded everyone he’s no soft touch.
Oscar De La Hoya couldn’t resist stirring the pot: “Vergil Ortiz Jr. is the most ducked fighter in boxing. Big names talk tough until Vergil’s name comes up, then suddenly the phone goes silent. I commend Erickson Lubin; he has the guts others lack.”
Who bends first — the puncher or the survivor?
Ortiz’s run has been nothing but punishment. Hooker folded. Mean Machine got drowned. Madrimov, who was supposed to be tricky, got dominated in Saudi. The Robert Garcia gym keeps him sharp, and the guy trains like it’s still 1985 — no shortcuts, just grind.
Lubin’s path is different. He’s tasted the floor. He’s been hurt. But he’s come back meaner each time. That Fundora war was brutal, but he showed he’s not afraid of blood and chaos. His last two wins prove he’s earned the mandatory spot, not lucked into it. As Gary Jonas put it: “Don’t be surprised, the Hammer is going to beat Ortiz.” Bold words, but Lubin fights with that chip.
This fight isn’t neat. It’s either Ortiz steamrolling another man into the canvas, or Lubin cashing in years of scars and pain for the biggest win of his life.
‘Global spotlight’ they say, but most people probably never even heard of these guys outside hardcore fans 😅 Ortiz better do more than talk if he want folks to remember his name after this.
DAZN always hyping up these fights like they history-making when really it’s just another card with dudes trying to get noticed. Ain’t nothing special here unless someone gets knocked out cold.
@Carter Nathan That’s real talk! Every week DAZN got some ‘big’ fight but half of them be boring or don’t matter to the real rankings anyway 😤
This fight don’t prove nothing if Ortiz wins. Bautista coming in last minute so if Ortiz wins it’s expected. If he loses though, then people gonna know he ain’t ready for top level yet.
Exactly! You can’t say you’re great by beating a guy who had no time to prepare right. That ain’t fair competition and shouldn’t count as some big accomplishment.
People acting like this belt is super important but I never even heard of the WBA Continental USA title before. Winning it don’t make you no world champ, it’s just another step that don’t mean much unless you back it up with real wins after.
Ortiz talking about discipline and sacrifice but every fighter says that stuff before a fight. What matters is what happens in the ring, and I think he might be underestimating Bautista just because he’s a late replacement.
I don’t get why everyone is acting like Ortiz is some big deal. He got two losses and one draw, so it’s not like he unbeatable or anything. Just because he trains hard don’t mean he gonna win. Bautista could shock him easy if Ortiz sleep on him.